UN 2881 — Nickel catalyst, dry
Placard: Spontaneously Combustible. ERG Guide 135. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2881 is Nickel catalyst, dry, a spontaneously combustible dry catalyst assigned to ERG Guide 135. Air/moisture exposure and re-ignition require control.
Hazard overview: SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE dry nickel catalyst; may ignite on exposure to air or moisture. High-surface-area powder can heat, burn rapidly and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment. May generate hydrogen or heat if improperly wetted or contaminated.
Response guidance: For UN 2881, isolate the area, avoid dust/friction and use SCBA. Use compatible dry or specialist media, protect exposures and watch for re-ignition or violent decomposition under ERG 135.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2881 should emphasize dust/friction control, compatible media, re-ignition, remote cooling, SCBA use and runoff/debris control. Use ERG 135, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Nickel catalyst, dry is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on package type, quantity, formulation and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS or authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Nickel catalyst, dry should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers away from heat, sparks, friction, moisture where incompatible, oxidizers/reducing agents as applicable and combustible contamination.
UN 2881 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2881
- SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE dry nickel catalyst; may ignite on exposure to air or moisture.
- High-surface-area powder can heat, burn rapidly and re-ignite after apparent extinguishment.
- May generate hydrogen or heat if improperly wetted or contaminated.
- Dust can irritate lungs and may present nickel sensitization or chronic exposure concerns.
- Water, foam or CO2 may be unsuitable for dry pyrophoric material unless specialist guidance confirms compatibility.
- Fire may produce nickel oxide fumes and metal smoke.
- Avoid dust clouds, friction and uncontrolled air/moisture exposure.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Fine gray to black powder or granules with a metallic appearance. Odorless. Solid at room temperature with high surface area and pyrophoric properties when dry.
| Also known as | Raney nickel catalystnickel powder catalystskeletal nickel catalystnickel sponge catalyst |
| Appearance | Fine gray to black powder or granules with a metallic appearance. Odorless. Solid at room temperature with high surface area and pyrophoric properties when dry. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (pyrophoric solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (metal catalyst) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with moisture generating heat and hydrogen gas; pyrophoric when dry. Keep away from water until properly wetted. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2881
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, dust or smoke. Wear flame/heat-resistant and chemical-resistant protection; avoid dust clouds, friction and incompatible media.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2881 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or aerosols and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Avoid incompatible water, moisture or contamination controls that could intensify fire or reaction.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 135, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2881 — Nickel catalyst, dryUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.